Final phase of 'vaccine pass' brought forward to end of May

Hongkongers will be required to get the third jab sooner as the government accelerates the “vaccine pass” plan, implementing its final phase in the end of May instead of June.  

Under the "no jab, no entry vaccine pass" implemented since February, only inoculated people can enter regulated premises - including restaurants, supermarkets, malls and entertainment venues.
In the first phase, people have to get at least one jab before entering premises. 

The second phase will start at the end of April. Those aged 18 or above will need to have had two jabs and those aged between 12 and 17 are allowed entry with only one jab.

The final phase regarding the third jab was supposed to start on June 30. But the government announced on Sunday that it has been brought forward to May 31.  

Those who aged 12 or above and have never been infected will be allowed six months since their second jab to get the booster jab – shortened from the previously announced nine months. 

For those who recovered from Covid-19 aged 12 or above, they will be given six months to get the first jab. Then they must get the second jab six months after they get the first. The second jab requirement does not apply to the recovered aged 12 to 17 vaccinated with BioNTech. 

Authorities plan to launch a QR code in May, which the recovered can show to operators of premises for allowing their entry. But as it is not ready yet, recovered patients will have to rely on other documents for now, such as certificates issued by recognized testing centers proving one's infection or a SMS showing one has reported to the government about the positive rapid test result. 

A picture showing a positive rapid test result won't be considered valid proof, and people are advised to report their cases online as soon as possible.